Billmyer's dad says he continues to recover

Posted:
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 10:59 PM EST

DUBUQUE (KWWL) -- After spending Thanksgiving at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, the Billmyer family is continuing to support their son. Lance Cpl. Christopher Billmyer lost both his legs last month in an accident in Afghanistan. Tuesday his father, Jim, traveled back to Dubuque for a fundraiser at Champs Americana.

Hundreds of people filled their plates and emptied their pockets Tuesday night.

"We have a lot of friends and family here tonight to support Christopher," Jim Billmyer said.

It was another fundraiser, for Lance Cpl. Christopher Billmyer.

"Of course the injuries were very traumatic but he gave us the gift of life and we are grateful," Billmyer said.

Jim says his son is recovering and continues to build strength with each day. But Billmyer admits this experience has changed him and his family, forever.

"Now when I got to a hotel I look to see if I brought Christopher, if this hotel would work very well. And you start being aware of a disability and spaces and things that never were in your consciousness before," Billmyer said.

But on Tuesday, he was looking around, thinking of his son, and grateful for an outpouring of support.

"We're amazed and humbled by the support from the community that we have for Christopher. It's really touched us all," Billmyer said.

His dad says he doesn't know when Christopher will return home but says if his condition continues to improve, he could be transferred to a hospital in Minneapolis by Christmas. That's a lot closer to home, and something his dad says would make a great Christmas present.